Theme: Coffee Shop AU

Kuroko: Coffee-shop owner. 24 years old.

Akashi: Office worker. 26 years old.

Written in Akashi's POV

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket and its franchise.

I hate coffee shops.

You might be wondering why, since everyone around seems to frequent them so often.

If you must know, my experience with coffee shops have never been pleasant.

They are nothing but large money-making schemes charging dubious amounts for lesser-than-a-cup of cheap muck they call coffee. If you want to call yourself a coffee shop, then serve coffee of a quality that suits the price that you quote.

Not to mention that, it is vastly populated by groups young people who come in flocks. They are loud and obnoxious; without giving any consideration for the other customers. The couples that frequent are no better; they do nothing but flirt in a manner that is suited for the bedroom.

I don't understand how or why people go to these places in the first place.

If I had the choice, I would never go there.

So... why am I here now?

"Would you like something warm to drink, sir? Or perhaps something to eat?"

"No, I'm fine. I'll just rest here until the rain lightens up."

It was by my bad luck that it had to rain when I didn't bring my umbrella; and it was by even worse luck that the closest awning or shelter available in the area was for this coffee-shop.

I had only planned to stay outside until the rain passed, but to my surprise...

"Excuse me, sir; but if you don't mind, please come in. You might catch a cold if you stay out here."

... I was invited inside by the owner of that shop.

Well, it sounded much better than standing out here in the cold, and since he went through the trouble of inviting me in...

"Why not?"

So now, I'm here.

In a place I never wanted to enter.

Well, at least this place isn't half-bad. The atmosphere is rather... soothing, if I have to admit. And there aren't many customers around, either. Those who were around were either alone or having a quiet conversation in the corner where they would not be a bother to others.

It's quiet; and strangely peaceful.

Has a place like this ever made me feel this way?

"Excuse me, sir..."

I turned my attention to the sound of that voice.

"What is it?"

"You have mentioned that you didn't need anything; but at the very least, do have a bowl of warm soup and some bread. It's on the house."

"Oh... Thank you. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"It is nothing. Please take your time and enjoy." With a polite bow, the owner made his way back to the counter.

"Kuroko... Tetsuya."

Unconsciously, I recited the name that was written on the tag that was pinned to his shirt.

Just like the shop itself, he seemed to have a quiet demeanor around him that puts people at ease.

What a strange person.

However, since that day, I found myself returning to that little, hidden shop often. It was odd, but I couldn't help it.

Perhaps there was something about that place that attracted me.

No, that wasn't the case.

What attracted me was...

"It's rare for you to come by at this hour, Akashi-sama."

"Well, things can be different from time to time. Am I too early?"

"No, I've just opened for the day." He gave me a small smile and a bow. "Please, come in."

"Thank you."

"It's my pleasure."

Fate works in strange ways.

Back then, I wouldn't have expected that I would fall in love with someone; not like this.

"What will it be today?"

"Hmm... I'm in the mood something sweet. What is your recommendation?"

"Let's see... How does a vanilla milkshake sound?"

"I don't see why not."

"I shall prepare it immediately, then."

"Oh, Tetsuya, one more thing."

"What is it?"

I held him by his arm and pulled him down, placing a quick kiss on his lips.

"The owner's special service, of course."

He flushed an adorable shade of red as he pulled away from my grasp, pouting.

"Akashi-sama... What if someone saw?"

"Then let them see."

"Really, you..." He shook his head at me as he started on my order.

I could not help but to chuckle at his embarrassment.

"I love you, Tetsuya."

He paused in his movements, and was opening his mouth to reply when the door was slammed open.

"Oi, Tetsu! Coffee! To go!"

I clicked my tongue at the interruption.

"I would appreciate it if you would you mind your behaviour. You'll disturb the other customers."

"There ain't anyone but your regular here. He's seen me enough to not be bothered by it."

"That is no excuse. You are a policeman, so please act like one."

He frowned at the disturbance as he brought me the drink I had ordered.

"Here is you vanilla milkshake. Please enjoy."

Next to the drink, he placed one of his coasters, with a small note written on it.

'Let's meet later, after I close for the day.'

With a smirk tugging on my lips, I placed the circle of paper into my pocket.

I will be looking forward to this.

-END-